His & Hers Coffee Mugs

After finding several links on Pinterest for customizing mugs with permanent marker, I thought that this would be an easy project to complete. I did find that most of the links or comments note that the permanent marker will scratch off. I've noticed that permanent marker never stays on tupperware after a few cycles in the dishwasher so why would it stay on a mug? I could already see it… me hastily doodling on a mug and then while handling or doodling, accidentally scratching off some of my progress. Then in a frenzy I work to correct it only to take two more steps back.

Since I am a self proclaimed awful painter, I searched the craft stores for a ceramic marker that would do the trick on some Dollar Store mugs. They do exist but I had no luck finding any! I did find some DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamel paint that worked well for this project.

Paint your mugs.  If you make a mistake use a toothpick, knife or other tool to scratch off any enamel that you want to remove.  Once complete, let it dry for four days.  Then it's time to bake.  Place your mugs in the over and then set your oven to 325 degrees for 30 minutes.  Once complete, let them cool in your oven with the door ajar.  

Kid's Barrette Organization

The hair accessories are out of control! Our headbands, elastics, scrunchies and barrettes were in several containers desperately needing some organization.  I no longer wanted to search for barrettes that match or four of the same elastics, while my daughter waits with her head tilted and hair in my hands.  It becomes a frustrating scenario once time constraints are in place and you really need to get out the door.

For this project I bought some ribbon, a canvas (you can use any type of frame or make your own) and some fabric.  Some staples will not go through ribbon easily so I would suggest sewing the ribbon to the fabric if you don't have a good stapler.  Stretch the fabric tight, take care with the corners and staple the back.

Hand sew beads through the fabric to provide extra support for the ribbon to hold all of the barrettes or headbands.

No more hunting for pairs of barrettes while they are all clearly on display!

Kid's Art & Paper Display

Organization is a major hurdle for our family.  We have a tiny house, a lot of things and a four year old.  Everyday handfuls of papers come into our house.  Much of this is Chloe's artwork.  I feel guilty throwing any of it out but don't really know what to do with three to five pieces of art coming into the house daily.  My solution is to let her choose what to display so some of that guilt doesn't plague me when the paper hits the trash.  We just can't keep it all.  Special pieces are saved in a separate binder.

I bought a bunch of clips in assorted colors at the dollar store.  I used picture hanging wire and three eyelet screws.  As I hung it, I threaded the wire through the center of each clip.

Chloe loves displaying her art in her room and I love that it keeps our family a little more organized!

Quick and Easy - Turning Sheets Into Curtains

I find a lot of inspiration from Pinterest; however, I can never seem to get the projects just right.  They have to be simple and provide quick results or my impatience will completely ruin the project.  This by far is the simplest project I have ever undertaken and you can find instructions on this blog; however, once you start instructions are not really necessary.

Simply use a fitted sheet, a curtain rod and some ribbon to tie.  I had sheets on hand and they already matched the contact paper used in November 2nd Restyle.  I did take it a step further by adding grommets to the top of the unfitted sheet.  I then hemmed up the bottom of the sheet to the desired length.

Another quick craft to organize earings: I spray painted a clearance craft frame ($2.99) and used rubber kitchen drawer liner bought at the Dollar Store.  I had the spray paint and stapler on hand already. 

Wonder Woman Costume

After making several capes for a Super Hero themed birthday party, I found myself making the remainder of the Wonder Woman costume for Halloween just a month later. I'm not very good at sewing and after a few epic fails involving the sewing machine, I broke down and went to Walmart. Walmart carries the Geranimals brand. They have inexpensive leggings, skirts and shirts that worked fabulously for this project. I wanted something that was not only inexpensive but that could also be used again after the holiday.

What you will need:
Blue Skirt
Red Top
Red Leggings
Sheet of White Felt
Sheet of Yellow Felt
Sheet of Red Felt
Sheet of Gold Glitter Foam Board (found in the kids craft section)
Yellow or Gold Headband
Star Cookie Cutter
White Thread
Yellow Thread 
Thick Yellow Ribbon

Skirt: Use the star shaped cookie cutter to make consistent stars out of the white felt. Use white thread to hand stitch each star to the skirt. This doesn't have to be anything fancy, just enough so the stars don't come off but not so much that it would be difficult to remove the stars.

Shirt: Print out a template of the Wonder Woman "W". A google search should show you several varieties that you can pick from. Use the template to cut your "W" out of the gold glitter foam board. With yellow thread, hand sew your "W" to the shirt in several locations. Again, nothing fancy, just enough so the stars don't come off but not so much that it would be difficult to remove.   Hand sew the yellow ribbon to the waistline.

Headband & Bangles: From the gold glitter foam, cut two 2 inch strips for the bangles. With the remaining glitter board, make your crown shape. Now trace your crown shape onto your yellow felt and leave an extra two inches of felt at the bottom, if possible. Use hot glue to attach your glitter board crown shape to yellow felt. Wrap the extra 2 inches or so of felt around the headband using hot glue as you go. Attach a red felt star to the front of the crown with hot glue. Use buttons or attach velcro to your bangles to complete the look. 

After everything was said and done, the costume was a hit! Although I originally planned on using the clothing again after Halloween, it has been added to the ever expanding dress-up kit.